Teens arrested after vandalising over 100 graves
Three teenagers have been arrested after they allegedly damaged 100 graves in Toowoomba Cemetery last weekend.
Police allege that about 100 headstones in the heritage-listed cemetery were vandalised overnight between Friday August 9 and Saturday August 10.
Images from the cemetery show the extent of the damages with headstones pushed over and some even cracked in two.
Two 15-year-olds and a 17-year-old all from Toowoomba have been dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
“Police would like to thank members of the community for their assistance,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
Councillors on the Toowoomba Regional Council have condemned the alleged acts of wilful damage.
"If you are the person so angry at society that this sounded like a good idea, there are many other ways to vent frustration than this," Councillor Tim McMahon said.
State MP David Janetzki also expressed his concern over the damages caused.
"For criminals to target the sacred resting place of our community's departed loved ones is unforgivable," Janetki wrote on Facebook.
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Geoff McDonald condemned the vandalism saying: “What occurred at Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery on Friday night August 9 is simply disgraceful, disappointing and disgusting."
“Such criminal acts of disrespect not only undermine the sanctity of a place meant for remembrance and reflection, but also inflict deep emotional pain on the families of those interred.
“Memorial headstones serve as a tribute to loved ones, and their destruction is an affront to the memories they represent.”
He added that council workers are cleaning up the damage and repairing the gravestones.
Images: Cemetery Tours Toowoomba